Jim Barbagallo died last week. He was 65. He was a realtor for 40 years, served as president of the Rockford Area Association of Realtors in 2006 and was the current president at the time of his death. He was also a valued, long-time employee of Behr Iron and Metal. Jodi Behr reported to me that Jim had an innate ability to relate to people.

Though Jim was involved in two businesses, the term “part time” never applied to him. He gave his full

effort to everything he did. He was an accomplished realtor with a following of loyal repeat customers. He was an effective leader of the realtor association throughout a difficult recession. He was active with the Illinois Association of Realtors and was an accomplished fundraiser for state and national issues affecting the real estate industry.

Jim truly believed that realtors and the association should be actively involved in community affairs, and he performed that role with enthusiasm.

Jim was also an accomplished potter and an annual participant in the Greenwich Village Art Fair. He delighted in talking to everyone who stopped to watch him work, especially children.

Jim accomplished all of this with a big smile and with boundless energy. This community and I will miss him!